Asbestos - The silent killer Asbestos is the
single biggest work place killer today. People who have worked
with the material are at serious risk from developing lung
cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma, fatal respiratory illnesses
that debilitate their victims..
Evidence of asbestos deadly effect on those who breathe its
fibres is likely to multiply in the decades to
come. Asbestos was once heralded as the greatest building
material available to those in the construction industries.
Its high tensile strength, durability and flexibility, as
well as heat insulation and fire retardant properties meant
that it could save lives, make buildings strong and make industries
rich. It was first used by the Greeks some 2000 years ago.
They were aware of the health hazards it posed but believed
that its magical ability to withstand fire far outweighed
this danger. The dangers to health
were all but forgotten until at the turn of the twentieth
century when medical researchers noticed a large number of
deaths and lung problems occurring in asbestos mining towns.
In 1917 and 1918, several United States studies discovered
that asbestos workers were dying unnaturally young
Asbestosis was first diagnosed in a 33 year old woman in 1924,
this lead to studies being carried out on asbestos workers
in the UK. Examinations on the workers showed that thirty
percent had asbestos-related lung disease. UK laws were introduced
in 1931 to increase ventilation and to make asbestosis an
identifiable work related illness. Despite the established
link between asbestos and lung diseases the industry continued
to grow well into the last century. At the peak of its usage
asbestos was
produced in 24 countries worldwide; it was also manufactured
in over 100. World production climaxed at over 5 million tonnes.
The building, shipping, insulation and demolition companies
whose workers came into contact with asbestos were often aware
that their staff were at risk. They did not take sufficient
steps to protect their workforce from personal injury.
Sadly the effects of asbestos take many years
to manifest themselves. People who worked in the construction
industries some 20 to 40 years ago may still be awaiting their
fate. Asbestos causes several diseases, two of which occur
only in those who have had contact with asbestos, asbestosis
and mesothelioma. Lung cancer and emphysema are more commonly
associated with smoking but frequently occur in non smokers
with a history of asbestos contact.It is thought that the
worst is yet to come.
The peak of asbestos usage was in the 60s and
70s so many people may develop lung diseases in the near future.
Due to the latency of asbestos diseases it is thought that
we will be seeing many more incidences of mesothelioma in
the next 25 years. Hugh Robertson, head of health and safety
at the British TUC says: "A realistic estimate is that
within the EU alone 500,000 will die in the next 35 years,
half from mesothelioma and half from lung cancer. In Japan,
an estimated 100,000 will die. If you add the Australian,
Canadian and US figures then even a million is an under estimation
- and that is only for
the developed countries
"People affected by asbestos are entitled
to compensation from the companies who knowingly exposed them
many years ago.People affected by asbestos related illness
should speak to a personal injury solicitor who has experience
in asbestos cases. For free legal advice visit www.youclaim.co.uk
to learn more about asbestos and to make a claim, or alternatively
you can call us on 0800 10 757 95. YouClaims solicitors have
many years experience of handling asbestos related claims.
They help people rebuild their future following exposure to
the deadly effects of asbestos.
-END-Editorial notes: YouClaim provides full accident litigation
compensation services. Helps people to claim compensation
for all types of injury from whiplash to head injuries.
By Sophie Evans - www.youclaim.co.uk Compensation following
a non fault accident.
Symptoms
of
Mesothelioma & Occupational Lung Diseases
Diagnosis
of
Mesothelioma & Occupational Lung Diseases
Treatment
of
Mesothelioma & Occupational Lung Diseases
Prognosis
of
Mesothelioma & Occupational Lung Diseases
Prevention
of
Mesothelioma & Occupational Lung Diseases
Malignant Mesothelioma
Treatment Centers
